Seed Collection Technician

Position Summary

The Restoration Accelerator is a new initiative by the Native Plant Trust and its partners to increase the availability of locally adapted seeds from sustainably managed sources. This position will focus on collecting wild seeds for use in establishing seed increase plots. The seeds produced in these plots will be processed and stored in the seed bank at Nasami Farm Nursery and used in restoration projects and by nurseries to grow plants for sale. Restoration Accelerator will build a regional seed partnership to better serve the needs of the region through the use of standards, protocols, and best practices for seed increase, collection, and storage. 

The Seed Collection Technician will be based at Nasami Farm Nursery in Whately, MA, and will report to the Director of Horticulture. This position requires travel to natural areas in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont to target wild seed collections. Target taxa lists will be developed with Native Plant Trust Horticulture and Conservation staff and consultants. The Seed Collection Technician, in collaboration with Native Plant Trust staff and consultants, will be responsible for planning and implementing visits to scout for and collect seeds following established protocols for sustainability in seed collection. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Work with Native Plant Trust staff and consultants to develop a target taxa list for collection
• Develop a work plan to scout and collect target taxon species
• Identify locations and secure permissions for wild seed collection
• Ensure consistent standards and protocols for seed collection, handling, and distribution
• Collect and maintain detailed, high-quality data tracking seed collections
• Communicate with Native Plant Trust Horticulture and Conservation staff and consultants on status and planning around seed collections
• Process and clean seed collections per established protocols and prepare for climate-controlled storage
• Document and maintain records tracking the processing and storage process for each seed lot.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of the flora of New England and experience facilitating meetings at field sites with partners and landowners. Well-developed communication skills are essential. The candidate will be well-versed in ecological fieldwork and will follow protocols for seed collection. In addition, the position requires:

• Understanding of field safety and protocols for wild seed collection (training available)
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, and being comfortable conducting outreach for permits and permissions for conducting field collections
• Ability to work in various and sometimes challenging conditions in all types of weather
• Ability to be flexible in terms of daily tasks
• Positive outlook and willingness to learn and grow

Hours and Compensation 

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), six-month position seasonal position with a salary of $22,500.00. Seasonal employees receive sick days and are covered by Workers’ Compensation, but are not eligible for health insurance or retirement benefits.